NKorea test-fires short-range missiles

North Korea test-fired three short-range missiles into the sea between Japan and the Korean peninsula this week.

The hermit state lobbed the missiles into the Sea of Japan (East Sea) on Wednesday, Japan’s Sankei Shimbun newspaper quoted anonymous Japanese government sources as saying.

Outgoing Defense Minister Yasuo Ichikawa initially said he was “aware” the missile tests had taken place, leaving his bureaucrats scrambling when he later said only that he had intended to convey he was aware of reports of the test.

The ministry said it was analyzing intelligence and had put defense bodies on alert against provocative acts from the unpredictable regime, the Sankei reported.

North Korea reportedly test-fired two short-range missiles off its east coast on December 19, the same day it announced the death of leader Kim Jong-Il.

The Sankei said the latest launch was believed to have been delayed because of the former leader’s death.

Since Kim’s death, there has been speculation that his son and successor, Kim Jong-Un may try to burnish his military credentials by conducting missile tests.